Scandinavian Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls ~ #BreadBakers

"Anyone who gives you a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven is a friend for life." ~ Daniel Handler

This month the Bread Bakers are baking Scandinavian Breads. Scandinavian bread culture has existed in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark from prehistoric time through to the present and there are such an amazing array of breads to choose from. Since I seem to be on a cinnamon roll kick at the moment, I decided to bake Scandinavian Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls.

Cardamom is one of two favorite spices (the other one being ginger). It has quite a strong flavor that has hints of citrus and herb and is very aromatic and is considered to be a "warm" spice. It is used commonly in Swedish coffee breads, sweet rolls and cookies, but also works equally well in savory dishes such as curries, tagines, and biryanis. It is also an ingredient in my favorite drink - chai.

Cinnamon rolls are one of those recipes that everyone thinks is difficult, but it really isn't and it takes more time than skill. This dough is so easy to put together, especially if you have a stand mixer.  If you do not have a stand mixer, then all you need is some strong arm muscles. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle, spread the filling, and roll it up tightly.  I used a knife, but another good method is to use floss - yes floss.  Make sure it is unflavored.  After a quick rise, off to the oven they go and in about 20 minutes or so the cinnamon rolls with be ready. Let them cool a little and spread with the most delicious cream cheese frosting.  Then try and limit your self to just one.  Bet it won't happen.

Scandinavian Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls
Printer Friendly Recipe

Ingredients
Dough ~

• 540g (4¼ cups) flour
• 1 teaspoons cardamom
• 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 340g (1½ cups) milk
• 115g (4 ounces) butter, melted and cooled slightly

Filling ~

• 80g (3 oz) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cardamom
• 115g (4 ounces) butter, softened

Frosting ~

• 115g (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 155g (4 ounces) butter, softened
• 230g (2 cups) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 220℃ (425℉).
2. Line a 23cm x 33cm (9x13-inch) pan with a silpat or parchment paper.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the flour, cardamom, sugar and yeast together.
4. Melt the butter and heat the milk until it is just warm to the touch.
5. Mix the butter and the milk into the dry ingredients.
6. Knead until the dough forms a ball.
7. Lightly grease a large bowl, add the dough, and cover; allow it to rise for approximately 1 hour.
8. Whilst the dough is rising, prepare the filling by adding the softened butter, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon in a medium bowl and mixing to form a thick paste.
9. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 38cm x 23cm (15x9-inch) rectangle that is approximately 1.5cm (½-inch) thick. 
10. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough and roll it up jelly roll style.
11. Using a serrated knife, cut the dough into slices and space the slices out in the baking pan, approximately 2 inches apart.
12. Cover the pan with a towel and allow to rise for about 45minutes.
13. Remove the towel and pace in the oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
14. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow to cool.
15. Once cooled to touch spread the frosting over the top and enjoy.

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all our lovely bread by following our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated after each event on the #BreadBakers home page. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. This month the Bread Bakers are making Scandinavian Breads, a theme chosen by Felice from All That's Left Are The Crumbs.

And don’t forget to check out all the amazing breads baked by our talented bakers ~

• Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød) from A Messy Kitchen
• Epcot Norway School Bread from Simply Inspired Meals
• Kanellangd from Amandie Bakes
• Lussekatter from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Pannekaker from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Pönnukökur aka Swedish Pancakes from Food Lust People Love
• Scandinavian Cardamon Cinnamon Rolls from All That's Left Are The Crumbs
• Scandinavian Carrot Bread Rolls from Ambrosia
• Swedish St. Lucia Saffron Buns from Sneha's Recipe
• Vörtbröd (Swedish Wort Bread) from Karen's Kitchen Stories